Norwegian Climbing Gym Looks Like An Actual Mountain

The Norwegian Mountaineering Center by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter juts up into the sky from the Romsdal Fjord in Åndalsnes, Norway. Its massive, angular tower mimics snow-capped mountains in the distance. Instead of using rocks and snow, however, the design covers the building with a pixelated copy of the mountains made in tiles.

This height allows for extra high rock walls on the interior. Moreover, it features a skylight at the mountain’s peak to add natural light onto the otherwise covered walls. This triangular window adds to the glass panels that run along the building’s base.

The Mountaineering Center serves as a meeting place for locals and tourists. It is the perfect place to spend a few hours indoors if the weather isn’t cooperating with your mountain hike. And better yet, visitors can probably pick up some good tips on both climbing technique and trails for the next day’s adventures. [Photography Søren Harder Nielsen, courtesy of Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter and Arch Daily]